A Timeline of the Peace Corps Process

Applying to the Peace Corps is an arduous process even with the ‘new’ system rolled out in 2014. My guess is they make the application process so difficult because serving is so difficult. If filling out the require paperwork makes you break into hives, then there’s no way you will be a successful volunteer. I’ve had a lot of questions about what the application process is like and what my specific timeline was so I thought I would write it down as best as I can remember according to my own memories and my “real’ memory, courtesy of gmail, which records every important incident in my life. Fair warning. This is long… and there’s no pictures.

September 24, 2016: While watching a football game one Saturday, I randomly click over to the Peace Corps site just to check it out. Peace Corps was something my 11 year old self wanted to do, my 21 year old self almost did, and 31 year old self came up with a bunch of reasons not to do. Randomly decide to apply to Peace Corps while watching football. I choose the ‘go anywhere, do anything’ option.

September 29, 2016: Placed ‘under consideration‘ for Healthy Youth Program in Lesotho. Undecided about if I want to work with ‘healthy youth in Lesotho’ but decide to continue on with the application process.

Nothing happens for three months and I essentially decide Peace Corps is not for me

December 27, 2016: Get a request for an interview with the Lesotho placement officer. Looks at remaining slot and notice only one available that could possibly fit my schedule. 8A, January 3, 2017, after a 24 hour post-call shift.

January 3, 2017: Interview with placement officer for Lesotho position coming off a 24 hour on call shift where I’d worked 16 hours and been awake for 36 hours. Don’t remember anything about said interview other than in lasted 30 minutes [They said to prepare for 1-1.5 hours]

Feb 28, 2017: Received news that I’m not going to Lesotho [not surprised; not sad]. Decide I would reapply.

March 1, 2017: Re-submit PC application. This time I chose HEALTH and Madagascar, Guyana, and Mozambique. I was also open to Central Asia/Eastern Europe and South America. North/West Africa was a no-go.

March 3, 2017: Placed under consideration for Community Health Volunteer in Madagascar. Excited, like I wasn’t about Lesotho.

May 5, 2017: Interview with placement officer for Madagascar. Interview last 1.75 hours. I was reminded to dress and act professionally even though it is a Skype interview. Wear pants even if the other person can’t tell because what if this one time, I have to get up to answer the door or the cat starts acting like an idiot and I need to throw him outside. The only thing I am told is get some recent ‘health’ volunteer experience. I reply that I am a currently a RN, and have been working in health care for 10 years. If I’m going to do any volunteer work, it won’t be in the ‘health’ sector since I’m already in it 48+ hours a week. I was told that was acceptable.

July 29, 2017: Receive invitation for Madagascar pending legal and medical clearance, and I only have three days to accept. Mind you the invitation was sent on the 27th and it’s about 2a on a Sunday morning. Have no one except my much older coworker to talk it over with, and decide ‘what the hell?’ I push the ‘i accept button’ and sent a return email.

DO.ALL.THE.THINGS [Physical, mental and physical health, get a PAP Smear, have dental probings done. Have about a gallon of blood drawn because they keep adding tests]

November 16, 2017 Receive MEDICAL CLEARANCE

November 26, 2017: Quit one job in preparation for leaving for Madagascar.

January 2, 2018: Receive LEGAL CLEARANCE; get excited in earnest about leaving for Madagascar on February 25 [right after my birthday!]

I spent 1 year, 8 months trying to get in the Peace Corps and as of today, I have 1 year, 10 months remaining to serve… Barring natural disasters, or any other as of now unforeseen legitimate reason to leave Rwanda.

Meet Michelle

What is this place?

Hi, I’m Michelle and this is my own little corner of the interwebs where I write, share photos, and interact with others in the blog-o-shpere. So in addition to that–Who am I? I am –in one way or another– the following: hiker + backpacker + swimmer + pediatric respiratory therapist + registered nurse + avid traveler + cat parent + gardener + photographer + medical science junkie + adventure-seeker + DIY enthusiast + voracious reader + history and science nerd + football fanatic + aging athlete + wannabe chef + trying not to succumb to the trappings of a 9-5 life. And beginning in 2018, a Peace Corps Volunteer in Rwanda.

Everyday life doesn’t have to be routine. Anyone can do just about anything he or she wants to do– sometimes one has to find creative ways in doing it. Sometimes one has to tear down the barriers that might stopping them. Everyday is an opportunity to choose your own adventure. That is what I ultimately write about.

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Where I’ve Been

States I’ve Seen

Time Capsule

Time Capsule

Disclaimer

Thank you for reading! All journeys and projects documented here have been self-funded, or are made possible by partnering with like-minded organizations. Occasionally, a post will contain affiliate links where I will receive a small commission (at not additional cost to you) if a purchase is made as a result of clicking on the link. Otherwise, I am proudly ad-free.

Peace Corps Required Disclaimer

Peace Corps Required Disclaimer:

Just a friendly reminder that from June 2018- July 2020, I will be serving in the Peace Corps in Rwanda. The content of this website is mine alone does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government, the Peace Corps, or the Rwandan Government. Please let me know if there is anything you want to see or know. Part of the Peace Corps mission is to provide host countries with knowledge and understanding of Americans and our culture, but it works the other way too. I’d love to share beautiful Rwanda with all of you.